Promethazine Addiction And Abuse
Promethazine (Phenergan) is an antihistamine derived from the organic compound phenothiazine. It is primarily used as a treatment for allergies and motion sickness but is sometimes abused by those who have an opioid addiction.
Author Suzette Gomez
Reviewer Kristen Fuller, MD
What Is Promethazine?
Promethazine (Phenergan) is an antihistamine derived from phenothiazine. It is available as a tablet, solution, and rectal suppository. In tablet form, it can be cut or crushed and taken with or without food.
How Promethazine Works
Promethazine works by blocking histamine, a compound released during allergic reactions as part of the immune response. It is also sometimes used to relieve nausea and vomiting by reducing certain brain signals that trigger these symptoms.
When in tablet form, it can interact with other medications. Introduction of the antihistamine to other substances changes its common effects. This change makes the antihistamine popular among medical professionals during combination therapy. For example, when mixed with opioids like meperidine, promethazine can help as a pain reliever. If taken with phenobarbital, a barbiturate, promethazine can cause severe drowsiness.
Promethazine is used for conditions like:
- Allergies (watery eyes, redness, rashes)
- Motion sickness
- Common cold symptoms (sneezing, cough, and runny nose)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety before surgery
- Pain after surgery
- Insomnia
Though the antihistamine helps control specific symptoms, it does not treat them. Promethazine also does not speed up recovery. To learn how the drug interacts with other prescriptions, always consult a healthcare professional.
Effects And Abuse
Promethazine affects the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, alertness, and pain control. By preventing the release of histamine, it causes sleepiness and deep relaxation. This drug increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and increases the risk of sunburn.
When abused, promethazine creates several negative effects like:
- Changes in blood pressure
- Skin reactions/sun sensitivity
- Jaundice
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Blurred or double vision
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Nightmares
- Ear ringing
- Organ failure
- Bruising
- Breathing problems
- Overexcitement
- Abnormal movements
Though dangerous on its own, the antihistamine can be lethal when combined with other illicit drugs.
Promethazine abuse is frequent in patients struggling with coexisting addictions. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, researchers discovered compelling evidence of promethazine’s non-medical use. One-quarter of the patients in the study who were using methadone were also taking promethazine. Out of the sample of methadone users, only 15% had an active promethazine prescription.
Additionally, promethazine is often misused with opioids such as codeine (lean), making this a dangerous combination, as opioid overdose can be lethal. Promethazine abuse is common among injection drug users, patients with chronic pain, and teenagers struggling with substance use.
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Get Help Today With Overcoming Promethazine Addiction
Promethazine addiction is dangerous and harmful to a person’s well-being. By opting in for recovery, individuals can learn to live free from the antihistamine. Thousands of people have successfully recovered from addiction. These individuals have changed their lives for the better. If you or someone you know is abusing promethazine, contact a treatment provider and get your questions answered today.
